“Made in America”
The notion of patriotism has defined the identity of the United States and all countries since the existence of such nations. Patriotism can be broadly defined as having pride for one’s country. This definition can include people serving in the military, immigrants who have created new foundations here; student’s who fight to uphold rights given to us by the constitution, or by those who strictly cling to nationalistic ideals such as independence and greatness. Throughout the ebb and flow of time the American public is torn between at least two sides. We have an option to agree blindly with the nationalist ideals our country prides itself with and portrays to other countries, or to come up with our own more inclusive type of patriotism. The many changes in general definitions of patriotism have been according to historical events, specifically during the Vietnam War and after 9/11.
The history of the US can be described in relative terms by the wars we have been involved with and the international relations we have fought to preserve or destroy. To give an extensive description of the wars our nation has been a part of is not my motivation; however I do understand many of the same parallels exist with such political happenings. Rather than to attempt to give a historical examination of what has happened in the aftermath of such events, I am choosing to discuss the repercussions and reactions to these important historical events particularly the dissent among those considered patriots. The Vietnam War, WWI, WW2 and Post 911 all have one thing in common. We are caught in a state of identifying with and belonging to a nation whose reputation and choices we may or may not agree with. The disillusionment and disorientation with identifying with a nation you no longer feel part of is hard to pin point.
Luckily, these events all pushed the American public forward resulting in inevitable changes including multiculturalism, civil rights, trade, and globalization. To define patriotism without encompassing all of these new concepts seems a little closed minded. Different groups have different ideas of patriotism. Furthermore, we will only be strengthened, connected and considered “United” as a nation when we can agree on one notion of patriotism encompassing all and not excluding any particular group of individuals. For this reason I suggest the notion of patriotism is in flux and in the process of being redefined by those more likely to uphold the definition- the people.
After 9/11 I observed more people than ever before rushing to the stores to purchase an American flag. I was working full time at a retail pharmacy store, a member of a union making a little more than minimum wage. I remember turning people away, again and again. “Sorry sir, or madam, we have no American flags.” I began to question what it was about this particular incident or any major tragedy that caused so many people to all of a sudden have the need to display the pride they have for their country symbolically by the use of the flag. UNITE-D. We waited weeks until the shipment of flags arrived.
It baffled me that we had to wait so long, and when they arrived to much of my dismay sewn on the flag in little letters were the words MADE IN CHINA. I remember thinking, that’s great; we still don’t have “American” flags. I chatted with friends about coming up with our own somehow with the little sewing know how we had. I debated on whether it would be the same flag, or if it would change a bit. I acknowledged I was in no position to imitate my idols Elizabeth Cady Stanton or Susan b. Anthony and dropped the idea. We were all to busy working and living to even think about starting a movement to reclaim the rights of the making of our flag. And unfortunately, no one really cared about the preservation of this national symbol. Today we see SUV’s and other vehicles with magnets shaped like ribbons stamped on them “support our troops” also made in china.
After participating in a one of many peaceful protests in a little town after the beginning of the war, I always respond to this claim of “support our troops” with “bring them home!” Though the protest was more of a cry for other like minded individuals to unite, the act of simply identifying with each other caused much controversy. We had signs saying “honk for peace” and “peace is patriotic” and slowly but surely, the group got bigger. Luckily because of the internet, many subgroups, and other organizers the anti war movement has grown immensely, possibly to the largest organized group of protesters ever. Now, one of my favorite slogans is “you can bomb the world to pieces, but you can’t bomb it in to peace.” The down side of all the uniting amongst anti-war activists- is the influx of those continuing to side with our nation’s decision to go to war.
Many claim “freedom isn’t free” or that “America is about sacrifice.” A lot of people who have served in the military or who have family in the military can be included into this group of patriots. And though, they might consider the anti war protestors to be anarchists or unpatriotic-we all have our own beliefs.
What happens when we identify with a country we no longer understand or agree with? How can the very acts of embracing our constitutional right, the right to assemble or the right to free speech now makes us unpatriotic? I wanted to cry when a man shouted to me “where’s your American flag?!” He was driving a massive truck, revving his engine so he couldn’t here my meek response. “It’s made in CHINA.” I couldn’t understand how people could perceive me as being unpatriotic by standing firmly to the rights given to me by the power of the constitution.
In fact, I was not denouncing the country I am part of, just agreeing to uphold the tradition of voicing my opinion freely. I thought of other fights going on in different parts of the world, particularly that of the Zapatistas and where strong opposition is not so free. And though, our fight here in America is no where near as militant- the image held strong for me- that of a woman being silenced by covering her face with a bandana decorated as an American flag.
There are many people who say they stand by their country no matter what, especially in times of war. Do these people care to uphold the rights our nation was based on? Or are they motivated merely by living comfortably and selfishly the way they do, not wanting their lives to change. Many people defend the right to fight to maintain the status quo as long as it means that nothing changes. Many people are not concerned with the exploitation of land or laborers that occurs so we can live comfortably. It is my proposal that patriotism now be defined in a broader context; including and appreciating those people and resources that help us maintain who we are as a nation. Can or will America ever encompass the global world abroad? If so, what does this mean for America as it now stands?
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